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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing normal breast vs. fibrocystic breast Fibrocystic breast changes

Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs within your breast, which are usually not cancer (benign). You can have one or many breast cysts. They're often described as round or oval lumps with distinct edges. In texture, a breast cyst usually feels like a grape or a water-filled balloon, but sometimes a breast cyst feels firm.

Breast cysts don't require treatment unless a cyst is large and painful or otherwise uncomfortable. In that case, draining the fluid from a breast cyst can ease your symptoms.

Breast cysts are common in women before menopause, between ages 35 and 50, but can be found in women of any age. If you have breast cysts, they usually disappear after menopause, unless you're taking hormone therapy.

Symptoms
References
  1. Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Non_Cancerous_Breast_Conditions_59.asp?sitearea. Accessed Sept. 18, 2012.
  2. Pruthi S, et al. Vitamin E and evening primrose oil for management of cyclical mastalgia: A randomized pilot study. Alternative Medicine Review. 2010;15:59.
  3. Salzman B, et al. Common breast problems. American Family Physician. 2012;86:343.
  4. Evening primrose oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  5. Understanding breast changes: A health guide for women. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/screening/understanding-breast-changes. Accessed Sept. 18, 2012.
  6. Laronga C, et al. Breast cysts: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept 18, 2012.
  7. Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 11, 2012.
  8. Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 11, 2012.
  9. Ferrara A. Benign breast disease. Radiologic Technology. 2011;82:447M.
  10. Pearlman MD, et al. Benign breast disease. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2010:116;747.
DS01071 Nov. 9, 2012

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